HEALTH+WELLNESS

DR. KARAN SRA, MD, FAAD

SKINCARE Q&A

Photography by Sofia van der Dys

By Beth Levine-McCann

Houstonians sure are lucky when it comes to quality medical care. With nearly 200 dermatologists in the Houston metro alone, we decided to do some Q&A with Dr. Karan K. Sra, MD, FAAD of Houston’s Dermatological Association. Published in various medical journals and books, an academic award recipient, ADD Fellow & Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Sra, 39, decided to pursue dermatology during her medical school rotations, due to the unique opportunities dermatology presents, combining the medical and cosmetic sides of the field, coupled with the one-on-one daily patient interaction.

In my mid-forties, I’m no stranger to the difficulties aging gracefully and affordably, while still needing the medical side of dermatological care (thanks, rosacea and adult acne!) and asked Karan, if she could go back in time, what she would tell her younger self to do differently? Her answers were simple, yet things I totally admit not doing in my younger years (so listen up women under 30!). SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN. Just in case you didn’t hear that, yes, her #1 thing was sunscreen and lots of it. Next, incorporating more preventative measures into your skincare routine as early as you can; today’s antioxidants, serums and prescription topicals can make a big difference down the road in your skin. Speaking of routines, she also advises starting a healthy skincare regime as early as possible and sticking to it!

When asked what she advises her patients to do, that even she struggles with (like never falling asleep with makeup on – come on we are all guilty of that more than once), again her answers were surprisingly uncomplicated, but things I still find myself not doing. Drinking more water, remembering to take and finish all prescribed medicines (even Dr. Sra admitted to forgetting her prenatal vitamins when she was expecting) and patience as results don’t happen overnight, not even for Dr. Sra.

For the budget conscious, like myself, I also wanted to know one thing Dr. Sra highly recommends to help your skin without breaking the bank. Once again her answer was not only economical, but something we should all already be doing daily. You guessed it: SUNSCREEN. For the #1 thing Dr. Sra recommends to her patients cosmetically, preventative Botox is her go-to. Her advice: start early, using only what you need to help lessen the effects and depth of wrinkles as you go. Personally, I think this is spot on. I’ve been using Botox preventatively as I go – nothing too drastic, as even my husband was surprised I use Botox because “my forehead still has lines when I’m mad.” They just aren’t as deep or as many thankfully.

Lastly, I asked what Dr. Sra looks for in her own dermatologist: relatability, accessibility and experience, the things she strives to provide her own patients. And that, through both the cosmetic and medical sides of her practice, her patients are able to feel they are always putting their best skin forward, as feeling positive and healthy about our appearance can directly affect our sense of self and overall well-being. All great answers and things I look for in my dermatologist, who, by the way, is not Dr. Sra, but after this interview very well may be!